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In books, the proportion of exceptional to commonplace people is very high; in reality, very low.
In books, the proportion of exceptional to commonplace people is very high; in reality, very low.
Literature is a power to be possessed, not a body of objects to be studied.
Literature is a power to be possessed, not a body of objects to be studied.
There is first the literature of knowledge, and secondly, the
literature of power. The function of the first is--to read more
There is first the literature of knowledge, and secondly, the
literature of power. The function of the first is--to teach; the
function of the second is--to move, the first is a rudder, the
second an oar or a sail. The first speaks to the mere discursive
understanding; the second speaks ultimately, it may happen, to
the higher understanding or reason, but always through affections
of pleasure and sympathy.
- Thomas De Quincey ("The Opium Eater"),
People do not deserve to have good writings; they are so pleased with bad.
People do not deserve to have good writings; they are so pleased with bad.
Only two classes of books are of universal appeal. The very best and the very worst.
Only two classes of books are of universal appeal. The very best and the very worst.
The writer in western civilization has become not a voice of his tribe, but of his individuality. This is a read more
The writer in western civilization has become not a voice of his tribe, but of his individuality. This is a very narrow-minded situation.
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power read more
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
Oh you who are born of the blood of the gods, Trojan son of Anchises, easy is the descent to read more
Oh you who are born of the blood of the gods, Trojan son of Anchises, easy is the descent to Hell; the door of dark Dis stands open day and night. But to retrace your steps and come out to the air above, that is work, that is labor! - Aeneid, The.
